Operation Sinus Infection (A build up of Snotz)

rockcod · 03-31-07, 10:54 PM

Today I finished the shackle reversal. It has been a couple of weeks since I have been able to get any time on the cruiser. After measuring and measuring again and then remeasuring, did some searches for numbers as to where to put the shackle, I finally went ahead and drilled it. I think my shackles are too long, I will have to wait and see where everything settles in to make a final decision. I am using the shackles I had on the 74. I am hoping to get the rear axle under it this week. I have not decided what springs to use yet, any suggestions???? Anyway, here is the progress from the day.......

rockcod · 03-31-07, 10:56 PM

1/2" emt alignment tool, primitive, but it worked and a finished shot.

rockcod · 04-03-07, 02:44 PM

Did a little filling this morning. The PO had drilled holes in the bezel, to mount something???? My Father-in-law gave me this hole filling trick for sheet metal. I took a piece of copper clamping it behind the holes I was filling. The copper acts as a heat sink (no warping the sheet metal) and backing for the fill weld. The weld does not stick to the copper, it just falls off once the clamp is taken off. It worked really well. After grinding down the welds I hit it with some primer to prevent any surface rust, until I get it into the sand blaster and finish paint.

rockcod · 04-03-07, 02:46 PM

Last 3

camcruiser13 · 04-03-07, 02:49 PM

bout time slacker

looks good. kepp the pics coming

rockcod · 04-05-07, 07:06 PM

Cam, you're killing me, I am but an army of one!!!!!

I got a little more done today, will have more tomorrow.

rockcod · 04-05-07, 07:07 PM

Few more.....

rockcod · 04-05-07, 07:09 PM

A new garage toy and some new wheels!!!!!!

ranger · 04-05-07, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockcod

Did a little filling this morning. The PO had drilled holes in the bezel, to mount something???? My Father-in-law gave me this hole filling trick for sheet metal. I took a piece of copper clamping it behind the holes I was filling. The copper acts as a heat sink (no warping the sheet metal) and backing for the fill weld. The weld does not stick to the copper, it just falls off once the clamp is taken off. It worked really well. After grinding down the welds I hit it with some primer to prevent any surface rust, until I get it into the sand blaster and finish paint.

I have a spare stamped bezel just like that, had a license plate mounted to it. What do people think when they do horrible things like that!

projektdotnet · 04-05-07, 11:21 PM

nice work

rockcod · 04-06-07, 10:20 PM

While mocking up the power steering unit my bracket located the unit too far forward displacing the bumper 1". Instead of cutting into the back of the bumper, I opted to extend the frame horns. I still need to plate the sides and bottom of the frame rails and tie the bumper into the frame.

rockcod · 04-06-07, 10:20 PM

More.....

rockcod · 04-06-07, 10:28 PM

I rough fabbed some hood pin mounts. I will need to work more on these a little, not enough time today to take off the sharp corners. If I do not remove the corners, I will be a bloody mess every time I open the hood!!!

rockcod · 04-06-07, 10:29 PM

Last one for today......

projektdotnet · 04-06-07, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockcod

I rough fabbed some hood pin mounts. I will need to work more on these a little, not enough time today to take off the sharp corners. If I do not remove the corners, I will be a bloody mess every time I open the hood!!!

I need to do that when I screw around with my FJ40

rockcod · 04-09-07, 07:59 PM

I got the rear end out, removed the spring hangers (more rivets

). After looking at the frame a little closer, I am going to remove the rear frame channel. At some point, in the 44 years this FJ has been around, the rear shackle was torn off and very poorly re-attached. In addition to this, it would appear the PO used the rear channel as a pulling point and bent the shizit out of it. Wednesday I will be fabbing and welding in new spring hangers and putting the new rear end under it, I am looking at 103" WB.

rockcod · 04-09-07, 08:04 PM

This morning I rounded up most of the parts for the brake system. Getting a little
closer everyday, and everyday I am getting a little poorer!!! The price we pay to own these things.............

rockcod · 04-11-07, 05:05 PM

I picked up a Taurus fan at the Pick a part for $20, and rough cut an aluminum dash for my gauges. The blue color on the dash is the dychem blue layout spray. I am going to brush and anodize the dash and pocket door black, I am not into chrome or polishing. Nothing got done today, the kids are out of school for Easter break. I did mange to pick up spring perches and some metal for the rear spring hangers.

Bluzer · 04-11-07, 07:00 PM

I'm enjoying your post, and envy your ability!
Great job!

rockcod · 04-11-07, 11:37 PM

Thank you, Bluzer. I am looking forward to finishing this thing, I really want to wheel it!!!

1973Guppie · 04-11-07, 11:57 PM

cool build, let me know if you are ever down this way in San Diego.....

Noah

rockcod · 04-12-07, 07:56 AM

Noah,

I am planning on going to TDS next year, I do most of my wheeling in Big Bear or Johnson Valley, I will be sure to let you know.

rockcod · 04-16-07, 03:00 PM

This morning I cut off the old spring perches (with the new plasma) and ground the excess smooth. Next I made some headway my rear spring hangers, I used 4 x 4 x.250 wall. Keeping them flush with the bottom of the frame.

rockcod · 04-16-07, 03:01 PM

A few more of the hangers

rockcod · 04-16-07, 03:04 PM

Yesterday I picked my beadlocks from the weld shop and found my new later model firewall with the power booster ribbing and steering column mount.

Rockrawler · 04-25-07, 10:09 AM

Thats exactly how I remember your thumb from that camping trip - remember? when you were chopping firewood with that hatchet and ended up in the emergency room and ruined our trip, remember? now get off your other one and finish this thing!

camcruiser13 · 04-25-07, 11:03 AM

you got skillz, why didnt you diy beadlocks,

im jealous you got wheels and i dont

GarnerFJ40 · 04-25-07, 12:07 PM

I'm glad someone else out there likes a green cruiser! Kep up the good work, I wish I was as motivated...

rockcod · 04-25-07, 10:45 PM

Lumpy,

What?????? I remember "chopping" firewood, not "shopping" firewood. But yes, it did ruin the trip.

"Thats exactly how I remember your thumb from that camping trip - remember? when you were shopping firewood with that hatchet and ended up in the emergency room and ruined our trip, remember?"

Cam,

To have them do it, it cost me a coffee mug to get them welded, so I figured what the heck!!!
Now I am waiting for the 37 MTR's.

GarnerFJ40,

I always wanted a red cruiser. The color of this one was just too annoying not to repaint it green again.
Lime Green that is

rockcod · 04-27-07, 09:56 PM

I was able to spend some time in the garage today. I had to remove the rear cross member, due to it being bent. I was able to get it out without removing the tub (thanks to the plasma!!!), it made short work of the rivets and frozen in place body bolts. I clamped the rear spring hangers on the frame to see where the shackles will end up, and the WB is now 105". I hate to trim that much out of the fender opening, but the room will be needed for my motor, trans and t-case combo. I still need to make a rear bumper/cross member, my upper shackle mount will attach to it as well. I am waiting for my Rubicon Express builder balls, they will be used for my upper shackle mounts. Couple of pics from today.